Vine Deloria, Jr.

Date of Birth: March 26, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 13, 2005

Biography

Vine Deloria, Jr. was an influential Native American author, theologian, historian, and activist. Born on March 26, 1933, in Martin, South Dakota, he was a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Deloria was a leading voice in Native American issues and worked tirelessly to advocate for indigenous rights and sovereignty. He earned a degree in theology from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and later studied law at the University of Colorado. Deloria’s works, including his seminal book “Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto” (1969), have been crucial in changing perceptions and policies toward Native Americans. Over his career, he published more than 20 books, blending humor, historical analysis, and sharp critique. Deloria also served as the Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians from 1964 to 1967, where he made significant strides in policy and advocacy. He passed away on November 13, 2005, leaving behind a profound legacy.

5 Interesting Facts about Vine Deloria, Jr.

1. Vine Deloria, Jr. was the grandson of Tipi Sapa (Philip Deloria), a prominent Yankton Dakota Sioux leader and Episcopal priest.

2. His book, “Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto,” helped ignite the Red Power movement of the late 1960s and 1970s.

3. Deloria was named one of TIME magazine’s “Heroes of the American Century.”

4. He was an advocate for the reintroduction of indigenous knowledge and spirituality into academic discourse.

5. Deloria taught at several universities including the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Vine Deloria, Jr.

1. “Before any final solution to our problems can be found, we must analyze the contemporary status of Indians and the contemporary Indian-White relationship in a realistic manner.”

2. “The Indian world has changed so substantially since 1492 that the present generation of American Indians is only a poor imitation of its former self.”

3. “Our religions are the one thing that white men cannot rob us of.”

4. “The American Indian is the only human being who has ever been honored with a national holiday, and yet the cause of the American Indian is the least known and least understood of any ethnic group in the United States.”

5. “Western civilization, unfortunately, does not link knowledge and morality but rather, it connects knowledge and power and makes them equivalent.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific net worth details are not readily available, Vine Deloria, Jr.’s influence and contributions to Native American rights and literature were invaluable and far-reaching.